How to choose wedding and engagement rings

Wedding and engagement rings are worn daily for rest of a couple’s lives, so it is important to make a good choice of this important purchase based on style, quality and how much a couple has to spend. Read this article to learn how to choose wedding and engagement rings.

Considering style when choosing wedding and engagement rings

The importance of style

Wedding and engagement rings are worn daily for rest of a couple’s lives, hence it is important to choose rings that are comfortable and suit one's personality. There are endless choices, from elegant to simple. Big diamond solitaires may not be as practical as a smaller set that is more durable for daily wear. Some grooms propose without an engagement ring and let the bride pick out her own. Others prefer to be romantic and surprise the bride to be.

Knowing that ring size is important

To prevent making a mistake, the groom should be sure of his intended bride’s ring size and get suggestions from a mother or friend about individual taste in jewellery before purchasing the engagement ring. Couples often go together to pick out their wedding rings.

Choosing a quality diamond for an engagement or wedding ring

Choosing a diamond engagement ring

The greatest cost of the wedding set is the engagement diamond. Diamonds vary in quality. They are graded according to colour, clarity, cutting and carat weight. All of these factors affect the value of the stone. The stone should be carefully examined before purchase and should carry certification.

Buy from a professional jewellery store

It is wise to buy diamond rings from a reputable jewellery store that deals in certified diamonds. There are many stores that may try to pass low-grade diamonds or even fake diamonds off as good stones. A zircon may look so much like a diamond to the inexperienced eye that a first-time buyer could be easily fooled.

Picking a wedding or engagement ring to fit a budget

Buying and financing an expensive ring

Before choosing wedding and engagement rings, budget must be considered. Traditionally, many choose a one carat diamond for the engagement ring. Big engagement rings that include a quality diamond can be expensive, but may also be a good investment. For those who really want an expensive ring, many stores offer easy payment plans.

Benefits of buying a cheaper ring

However, some couples may not want to get in debt, and will opt for a smaller engagement ring and cheap wedding bands that they can pay cash for. Plain wedding bands of platinum or silver are less expensive than the traditional gold band. An arrangement of small diamonds are less expensive than one big diamond, and may be a better choice if money is a serious issue for a couple just starting out in their careers.